Overcoming that inner voice

Skinny by Donna Cooner illustrates a voice that all women, young and old, have heard, and, unfortunately, fed.  We have all fallen prey to that inner voice that tells us we can't, can't lose weight, can't fit in, can't compete...the focus may be different, but the voice is there, whispering our worst inner fears.  This odd twist on Cinderella, has the main character, Ever, imagining her voice, which she calls "Skinny" as a "goth Tinkerbell" fairy godmother.

At the beginning of the story, 16-year-old Ever has become morbidly obese in the wake of her mother's death from cancer.  She now weighs 302 pounds and has the evil voice of Sknny telling her terrible things: how everyone laughs at her, no one could possibly love her, that she's ugly.  It doesn't help that her step-sisters are perfect and beautiful.  Ever makes the difficult decision to have gastric bypass surgery after breaking a chair in front of the entire school.  What follows is her battle to adjust to her new life and changing body.  More important, however, is overcoming Skinny, and being able to accept love and success in her life.

This book has the potential to change lives.  Truly.  When Ever hits rock-bottom, at the moment that was supposed to be her happily ever after, her realization about Skinny can change how we all respond to that inner voice of defeat.